Clasp



c, 31, 1946. vEvERKA 2,413,392

CLASP Filed Feb. 7, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l -Fiqza- IN V EN TOR. Rudook ev er'ka/ Jfrrig Dec. 31, 1946. R. VEVERKA cLAsP Filed Feb. '7, 1945 2 vSheets-Sheet 2 Patented Dec. 31, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLASP Rudolph Veverka, BayportgN. Y.

Application February 7, 1945, Serial No. 576,596.

Claims.

This invention relates to clasps, more particularly to clasps which are designed for quick release. A particular object of the invention is to provide a clasp suitable for use on a parachute harness wherein it is essential that the clasp function easily and smoothly. A further object is to provide a clasp of a type whichv will withstand heavy loads up to for instance 2500 lbs. but which will still release when properly operated. In clasps of this type it has been found that where they are constructed strongly enough to withstand theprescribed loads, they are difiicult to open and it is desirable to have a clasp which will function smoothly under heavy loads.

It further object of the invention is to provide a clasp which will not open accidentally as for instance by its catch coming into contact with another portion of the parachute harness or with a portion of clothing. Accordingly this invention embraces a clasp which requires positive operation on both sides to open. Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the description and drawings, of which Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a clasp embodying the preferred form of my invention and is taken on the line ll of Figure 2.

- Figure 2 is an edge view of the clasp.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 which shows the clasp in the open position.

Figure 4 is a side view of my clasp.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed View taken on the line 5--5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the locking block.

Figure 7 is a detailed View of one of the operating springs.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a modified form of my invention.

Figure 9 is a side view of the clasp shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a detailed enlargement taken on the line lill9 of Figure 8.

Figures 11 and 12 are detailed views of the locking parts.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, my clasp H] is shown as used to connect two parts H and IQ of the parachute harness. The clasp ID releasably engages the ring l4 and a ring I5 is pivoted at Hi to the other end of the clasp. The ring 14 is engaged by the rotating hook 2B, which is pivoted at 2|.

A spring 22, mounted on the pin 23, operates against the back 24 of the hook to keep the hook in outward position when not locked. The lower portion of the hook is formed to define a shoulder 2 25 which in the open position, abuts a portion 26 of the clasp to limit its movement. It will be noted that in the closed position, the toe of the hook engages the portion 26 to prevent the passage of foreign matter into the clasp.

Pivoted at 3!! is a release block 3| upon which is pivoted the locking ear 32. The bottom of the release block 31 is recessed to receive a floating lock 35 having an opening therein 36 through which it may be fastened by means of the bolt 3i. A spring 38, positioned by the pin 39, operates against the bottom of the floating lock 35 to hold the release block in the locked position.

It will be noted that in the locked position the locking ear 32 engages the shoulder 25 on the hook 28 and is itself pressed against the shoulder 34. It will be understood that on either side of the clasp there is a. pivoted trigger 40 having a cutout portion 4! engaging the arms 42 and 43 of the locking block 35, so that when pressure is brought on both triggers, on both sides of the clasp, equal pressure is brought against the arms 32 and 43, thus pivoting the release block downwardly into the position shown in Figure 3 and allowing the hook to swing into the open position.

In order to prevent accidental opening I have provided means whereby it is necessary for both triggers to be operated simultaneously. It will be noted that the locking block floats on the screw 31. The casing of the clasp is recessed slightly on either side at 45 and 48 to define a shoulder at each point. Should only one trigger 40 be operated pressure will be exerted on only one of the arms 42 and 43 and the locking block will pivot into contact with one of the shoulders t5 or 46 to prevent further movement. Thus it wil1 become apparent that it is necessary to operate both triggers simultaneously to release the hook 20.

It will be noted that the bottom of the hook 20 in the locked position is past the center of the pivot 21 so that in the locked position the shoulder 25 is five or ten degrees past the center line. This relieves the stress from the nose of the hook and eliminates most of the outward pull and pressure against the ear 32. This not only relieves stress but makes operation easier under heavy loads. The nose of the ear 32 in a locked position is likewise about three degrees past the line taken from the pivot 3-0 so that it does not rely upon the spring 38 to maintain it 'in the locked position when weight is applied.

In the form shown in Figures 8-12, the floating lock block 35 is eliminated and the release block 50 is of slightly different construction. In this form, the release block 50 is recessed at 5|, to receive the locking ear 52, as in the other form and is provided with. the depending member 53 which engages a spiral spring 54 positioned in the recess 55 in the clasp. The locking ear 52 is pivoted on the pin 56 which is engaged by the release lever 58 positioned on either side of the clasp and operates through the slots 51 in the casing.

It will be apparent that by downward movement of the release levers 58 the locking ear will be disengaged from the shoulder 60 and the spring 6| will move the hook 59 into the openposition. This clasp is somewhat simpler than ing block to prevent the opening of said clasp the form shown in Figures 1 to 7 but maybe operated from either side and does not have the safety feature which requires operation from both sides to prevent accidental opening due to possible frictional engagement of one of the release levers.

I claim:

1. A clasp, comprising a body, a hook member pivotally mounted in said body, a block having a locking ear mounted in said body, said locking ear being adapted to engage said hook member, a floating lock mounted in said block, arms on said lock and release levers on each side of said clasp engaging said arms.

2. A clasp, including a casing, a hook member pivotally mounted in said casing, means for holding said hook member in a closed position, means for releasing said hook member including a release lever on each side of said casing, a floating block engaging said release levers, shoulders on said clasp adapted to engage said floatunless equal pressure is placed on each of the release levers.

3. A clasp including a casing, a hook member pivotally mounted in said casing, means for holding said hook member in a closed position, means for releasing said hook member including a release lever on each side of said casing, a member pivotally mounted and having an arm adapted to be engaged by each of said release levers, a recess defining a shoulder in said casing adapted to engage said pivotal member unless equal pressure is exerted against each of said arms.

4. In a clasp of the character described, a lock member pivotally mounted within said clasp, a pair of release levers, one on each side of said i clasp, armson said lock member adapted to be engaged 'by said release levers and spaced shoulders on said clasp adapted to engage said lock member if unequa1 pressure is exerted against said release levers.

5. A clasp including a' casing, a hook member pivotally mounted in said casing, a shoulder on said hook member, a block pivotally mounted in said casing, said block having a locking ear adapted to engage said shoulder, a safety lock having a pair of arms pivotally mounted in said block, a spring exerting pressure against the bottom of said safety look, a pair of release levers, one on each side of said casing, engaging the arms on said safety lock and means on the in side of said casing adapted to engage said safety look if said lock is tipped by unequal pressure on said release levers.

RUDOLPH VEVERKA. 

